Megan Hilty Brought to Tears During Final Bow in Broadway’s Death Becomes Her

Megan Hilty was brought to tears on Sunday, January 11th, as she took her final bow in Broadway’s Death Becomes Her

The actress originated the role of Madeline Ashton in the musical, the character played by Meryl Streep in the 1992 film

Betsy Wolfe will step into the role of Ashton beginning Friday, January 16th

The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City was overflowing with love on Sunday, January 11th, as Megan Hilty played her final performance in Broadway’s Death Becomes Her.

An Emotional Farewell

PEOPLE was in the crowd for the milestone matinee, alongside a number of Hilty’s closest supporters and members of the musical’s creative team, including director/choreographer Christopher Gattelli and Julia Mattison, who penned the score with Noel Carey.

Throughout the afternoon, Hilty was showered with praise from the audience, even receiving extended cheers for her entrance. Her ACT I showstopper, “Falling Apart,” earned her a rare mid-show standing ovation.

But it was during the curtain call that Hilty actually fell apart. Taking her bow, she immediately teared up and continued to cry as everyone in the house including her castmates surrounded her with applause.

Costars Pay Tribute

“We are all obviously here to celebrate the one and only Megan Hilty,” costar Josh Lamon said, giving the actress her flowers (while handing her a literal bouquet).

“I tried to think of something to say and the one word that kept coming to mind is ‘extraordinary,'” he continued. “Megan you are an extraordinary actress, comedian, human. You are not just our lead, you are our leader. Anybody who has come into this building you lift up, you cheer on.”

Lamon went on to share his admiration for Hilty, continuing to call her “an extraordinary artist.” He also called her “an extraordinary mother,” noting especially that she parented her kids (daughter Viola Philomena, 11, and son Ronan Laine, 7 both of whom she shares with husband Brian Gallagher) all “while leading a show.”

“We love you to the moon and this is not goodbye; this is a celebration,” Lamon said.

A Touching Goodbye

After hugging Lamon, Hilty continued to cry, her costars Michelle Williams and Dee Roscioli offering her comfort. As the curtain came down, Hilty waved and blew kisses to the crowd. She ended her time on stage jumping in celebration with her cast.

Hilty’s Journey with the Show

Hilty originated the part of the glamorous, immortal Madeline Ashton in both the show’s 2024 Chicago premiere and its Broadway run, earning her second Tony nomination, this time for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She’s been attached to the project since its early development in 2023.

Broadway favorite Betsy Wolfe, a Tony nominee herself for her powerhouse turn in & Juliet, will step into the role of Ashton beginning Friday, January 16th.

Overcoming Challenges

After the 2025 Tony Awards in June, Hilty took a four-week absence to recover “from a vocal injury that only time can heal,” calling her work in the musical “the most challenging and rewarding role” she has “ever taken on.” The actress later returned to the show in July.

A Broadway Smash Hit

Based on Robert Zemeckis’ beloved 1992 Universal Pictures dark comedy, Death Becomes Her has become a smash hit on Broadway, scoring 33 nominations across the 2024–2025 theater season including 10 Tony nods and delighting audiences with its drop-dead hilarious take on vanity and fame.

Starring alongside Hilty is three-time Tony nominee Jennifer Simard, who plays Madeline’s frenemy Helen Sharp. They’re joined by two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber as Ernest Menville, the man Madeline and Helen fight over and Grammy Award winner Williams, as the mysterious Violet Van Horn.

Their roles were originated on screen by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini, respectively.

What’s Next

Tickets to Death Becomes Her are now on sale.

Hilty’s departure from the show marks the end of a significant chapter for both the actress and the production. Her portrayal of Madeline Ashton helped establish Death Becomes Her as one of Broadway’s must-see shows, bringing the beloved film character to life on stage while making the role distinctly her own.

The emotional farewell demonstrated the deep connection Hilty formed with both her castmates and the audience over her run in the show. From her early involvement in the project’s development to her Tony-nominated performance, Hilty has been integral to the musical’s success.

As Betsy Wolfe prepares to take over the role, she faces the challenge of following in the footsteps of a performance that has been widely celebrated and beloved by audiences. However, Wolfe’s own acclaimed Broadway career and Tony nomination suggest she’s well-equipped to bring her own interpretation to the immortal Madeline Ashton.

For Hilty, this farewell performance represents a bittersweet milestone the conclusion of what she called “the most challenging and rewarding role” of her career, but also an opportunity to rest her voice and spend more time with her family after months of demanding eight-show weeks.

The standing ovations, tears, and celebration that filled the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on that Sunday afternoon served as a testament to Hilty’s impact on the production and the Broadway community at large. As Lamon said, it wasn’t goodbye it was a celebration of an extraordinary performer’s extraordinary achievement.